Hole saw

ABSTRACT

A hole saw includes a cylindrical body having a sidewall with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The cylindrical body includes a gullet formed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface, and a bottom surface of the sidewall. The gullet defines a central longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of the sidewall that is obliquely oriented relative to a rotational axis of the hole saw such that the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottom surface in a direction toward a cutting direction of the hole saw. The gullet has a dimension measured parallel to the rotational axis between the first end of the sidewall and the bottom surface of the gullet that is greater than 1.5 inches. The hole saw includes a cutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewall adjacent the gullet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/863,253 filed Jan. 5, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,730,119, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/443,317filed Jan. 6, 2017, the entire contents of both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hole saws, and more particularly togullets formed in the hole saws.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hole saw is movable about a rotational axis in acutting direction to cut into a workpiece. The hole saw includes acylindrical body having a sidewall with a first end and a second endopposite the first end. The cylindrical body also includes a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall. The gullet defines a centrallongitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of thesidewall that is obliquely oriented relative to the rotational axis suchthat the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottom surface in adirection toward the cutting direction. The gullet has a dimensionmeasured parallel to the rotational axis between the first end of thesidewall and the bottom surface of the gullet that is greater than 1.5inches. The hole saw also includes a cutting tooth coupled to the firstend of the sidewall adjacent the gullet.

In another aspect, a hole saw is movable about a rotational axis in acutting direction to cut into a workpiece. The hole saw includes acylindrical body having a sidewall with a first end and a second endopposite the first end. The cylindrical body also includes a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall. The gullet extends through thefirst end of the sidewall and defines a central longitudinal axisextending between the first and second ends of the sidewall. The centrallongitudinal axis is obliquely oriented relative to the rotational axissuch that the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottom surfacein a direction toward the cutting direction. The hole saw also includesa cutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewall adjacent thegullet. A dimension measured between the leading surface and a tip ofthe cutting tooth in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis isbetween about 0.5 inches and about 0.7 inches.

In yet another aspect, a hole saw is movable about a rotational axis ina cutting direction to cut into a workpiece. The hole saw includes acylindrical body having a sidewall with a first end and a second endopposite the first end. The cylindrical body also includes a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall. The trailing surface defines aportion having a first radius. The bottom surface has a second radius.The first radius is equal to or larger than the second radius. Thegullet extends through the first end of the sidewall and defines acentral longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends ofthe sidewall. The central longitudinal axis is obliquely orientedrelative to the rotational axis such that the gullet is angled from thefirst end to the bottom surface in a direction toward the cuttingdirection. The gullet has a first dimension measured parallel to therotational axis between the first end of the sidewall and the bottomsurface of the gullet that is greater than 1.5 inches. The hole saw alsoincludes a cutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewalladjacent the gullet. A second dimension measured perpendicular to therotational axis between the leading surface and a tip of the cuttingtooth is between about 0.5 inches and about 0.7 inches.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hole saw according to one embodimentof the invention coupled to a power tool.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the hole saw of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of the hole saw of FIG. 1 in a flattened state andillustrating three gullets.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a portion of the hole saw of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the hole saw taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 2 illustrating the hole saw cutting through a workpiece.

FIG. 6 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the hole saw of FIG. 9 in a flattened stateand illustrating three gullets.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the hole saw taken along line 11-11of FIG. 9 with the hole saw cutting through two workpieces.

FIG. 12 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a planar side view of a hole saw according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings. Terms of degree, such as “about,” “substantially,” or“approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer toreasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, generaltolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of thedescribed embodiments.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a hole saw 100 including a cylindrical body 105defining a cavity 110. The cylindrical body 105 includes a sidewall 115having a first end 120 and a second end 125 with the second end 125positioned opposite the first end 120. The hole saw 100 also includes anend cap 130 coupled to the second end 125 and has an aperture 135 sizedto receive an arbor 140 such that the hole saw 100 can be coupled to anddriven by a tool 145 (e.g., a power drill or the like) via the arbor140. The tool 145 drives the hole saw 100 about a rotational axis 150 ina cutting direction 155 (FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, thearbor 140 is selectively coupled to the end cap 130, but in otherembodiments, the arbor 140 can be fixedly coupled to the end cap 130. Insome embodiments, a pilot drill bit 156 (e.g., a twist drill bit, aspade drill bit, etc.) can be selectively or fixedly coupled to thearbor 140 to extend through the cavity 110 and beyond the first end 120of the sidewall 115. The illustrated cylindrical body 105 is made of ametallic material (e.g., low carbon steel, etc.). In other embodiments,the cylindrical body 105 can be made of a different metallic material(e.g., high carbon steel, etc.).

As best shown in FIG. 2 , the sidewall 115 defines a maximum outerdiameter 160. The outer diameter 160 can be between about 1 inch andabout 7 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 160 can be about1.37 inches, about 2.56 inches, about 4 inches, or about 6.25 inches. Infurther embodiments, the outer diameter 160 can be greater than 7inches. The sidewall 115 also defines a maximum thickness 165. Thethickness 165 can be between about 0.07 inches and about 0.11 inches. Insome embodiments, the thickness 165 can be about 0.08 inches, about 0.09inches, about 0.1 inches, or about 0.104 inches. As best shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall 115 further defines a sidewall height or dimension 170extending between the first end 120 and the second end 125 in adirection parallel to the rotational axis 150. The illustrated sidewallheight 170 is between about 2.5 inches and about 3 inches. In otherembodiments, the sidewall height 170 can be between about 1.5 inches andabout 5 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 115 includes three gullets175 equally spaced about the rotational axis 150 (e.g., each gullet 175is spaced about 120 degrees relative to an adjacent gullet 175). Inother embodiments, the hole saw 100 can include more than three gullets175 (e.g., four, five, six, etc.) or can include less than three gullets(e.g., two or one) with the gullets 175 equally or non-equally spacedabout the rotational axis 150. For example, the hole saw 100 can includetwo gullets 175 (spaced 180 degrees apart) when the outer diameter 160is less than about 2.25 inches.

With reference to FIG. 3 , each gullet 175 defines a centrallongitudinal axis 180 extending between the first end 120 and the secondend 125. Each gullet 175 includes an open end 185 adjacent the first end120 and is defined by a bottom surface 190 of the sidewall 115 oppositethe open end 185, a leading surface 195 of the sidewall 115 extendingbetween the open end 185 and the bottom surface 190, and a trailingsurface 200 of the sidewall 115 extending between the open end 185 andthe bottom surface 190. The leading surface 195 and the trailing surface200 of each gullet 175 are in relation to the cutting direction 155 ofthe hole saw 100 (i.e., the leading surface 195 is forward the trailingsurface 200 as the hole saw 100 moves in the cutting direction 155).Each trailing surface 200 includes a seat or notch 205 formed adjacentthe open end 185 and a trailing surface portion 210 positioned betweenthe notch 205 and the bottom surface 190 in a direction parallel to therotational axis 150. In particular, a first portion 215 of each trailingsurface 200 extends between the notch 205 and the trailing surfaceportion 210 and a second portion 220 of each trailing surface 200extends between the trailing surface portion 210 and the bottom surface190. In addition, an edge 225 is positioned between the leading surface195 and the first end 120 that defines a substantially 90 degree edge.In other embodiments, the edge 225 can be a curved edge.

In the illustrated embodiment, all three gullets 175 include thesubstantially same geometry, but in other embodiments, two or moregullets 175 can include different geometries. One of the gullets 175will be described in detail below but can be applicable to one or moreof the remaining gullets 175. The illustrated first portion 215 of thetrailing surface 200 is a substantially linear surface orientedsubstantially parallel to the rotational axis 150. In addition, thecentral longitudinal axis 180 of the gullet 175 is parallel to therotational axis 150 so that the first portion 215 is also parallel tothe central longitudinal axis 180. In other embodiments, the firstportion 215 can be a curved surface. The illustrated trailing surfaceportion 210 defines a first radius 230 between about 1 inch and about1.25 inches. In other embodiments, the first radius 230 can be betweenabout 1.25 inches and about 2 inches or the first radius 230 can bebetween about 0.4 inches and about 1 inch. In addition, the trailingsurface portion 210 is formed in a lower half of the gullet 175 in adirection parallel to the rotational axis 150. The illustrated secondportion 220 of the trailing surface 200 is a substantially linearsurface, but in other embodiments, the second portion 220 can be acurved surface. The second portion 220 is also oriented at an obliqueangle 235 relative to the rotational axis 150. The illustrated obliqueangle 235 is between about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees. In otherembodiments, the oblique angle 235 can be between about 50 degrees andabout 70 degrees or the oblique angle 235 can be between about 20degrees and about 40 degrees. A first angle 240 is defined between thefirst portion 215 and the second portion 220. The illustrated firstangle 240 is between about 130 degrees and about 140 degrees. In otherembodiments, the first angle 240 can be between 140 degrees and about170 degrees, or the first angle 240 can be between about 80 degrees andabout 130 degrees. In further embodiments, the first radius 230 of thetrailing surface portion 210 can be omitted such that only the firstangle 240 is formed between the first portion 215 and the second portion220. The illustrated bottom surface 190 defines a second radius 245between about 0.25 inches and about 0.4 inches. In other embodiments,the second radius 245 can be between about 0.4 inches and about 1 inch,or the second radius 245 can be between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25inches. In some embodiments, the second radius 245 can be equal to orless than the first radius 230. A ratio of the first radius 230 to thesecond radius 245 is between about 2.5 to about 5. In other embodiments,the ratio of the first radius 230 to the second radius 245 is betweenabout 1 and about 6. In further embodiments, the ratio of the firstradius 230 to the second radius 245 is between about 3 and about 4.

The illustrated leading surface 195 is a substantially linear surfaceoriented substantially parallel to the rotational axis 150. A secondangle 250 is defined between the second portion 220 and the leadingsurface 195. The illustrated second angle 250 is between about 40degrees and about 50 degrees. In other embodiments, the second angle 250can be between 50 degrees and about 80 degrees or the second angle 250can be between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees. In furtherembodiments, the second radius 245 can be omitted such that only thesecond angle 250 is formed between the second portion 220 and theleading surface 195.

With continued reference to FIG. 3 , the gullet 175 defines a gulletheight or dimension 255 extending between the first end 120 and thebottom surface 190 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 150.The illustrated gullet height 255 is greater than about 1.5 inches. Inother embodiments, the gullet height 255 can be between about 1.7 inchesand about 1.9 inches, or the gullet height 255 can be between about 1.9inches and about 3 inches. As such, a ratio of the sidewall height 170over the gullet height 255 is about 1.4. In other embodiments, the ratioof the sidewall height 170 over the gullet height 255 can be betweenabout 1.1 and about 2. In further embodiments, the ratio of the sidewallheight 170 over the gullet height 255 can be between about 2 and about4. The illustrated sidewall 115 also defines a height 260 extendingbetween the bottom surface 190 of each gullet 175 and the second end 125of the sidewall 115. The height 260 is between about 0.7 inches andabout 0.9 inches. In other embodiments, the height 260 can be betweenabout 0.9 inches and about 1.5 inches or the height 260 can be betweenabout 0.1 inches and about 0.7 inches. The gullet 175 also defines amaximum gullet width 265 extending between the leading surface 195 andthe trailing surface 200 in a direction perpendicular to the rotationalaxis 150. In particular, the maximum gullet width 265 extends betweenthe leading surface 195 and a point 270 located on the first portion 215directly below the notch 205. The illustrated maximum gullet width 265is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.2 inches. In other embodiments,the maximum gullet width 265 can be between about 1.2 inches and about1.5 inches, or the maximum gullet width 265 can be between about 0.4inches and about 0.75 inches.

The hole saw 100 also includes cutting teeth 275 positioned adjacent thefirst end 120 of the sidewall 115. Each cutting tooth 275 has a cuttingtip 280 positioned beyond the first end 120 (i.e., above the first end120 as illustrated in FIG. 4 ). In particular, the cutting teeth 275 arecarbide cutting teeth that are seated within the notches 205 of thesidewall 115 and secured to the sidewall 115 (e.g., by a brazingoperation or the like). The carbide cutting teeth 275 include a materialhardness that is greater than a material hardness of the sidewall 115.In other embodiments, the cutting teeth 275 can be made of a differentmaterial (e.g., hardened steel, etc.). In further embodiments, thesidewall 115 can form the cutting teeth 275 so that the cutting teeth275 are not separately secured to the sidewall 115. Each cutting tooth275 includes a rake surface 285 and a relief surface 290 with each rakesurface 285 facing into one of the gullets 175. Each rake surface 285defines a positive rake angle 295 (e.g., angled toward the cuttingdirection 155) relative to the rotational axis 150 between about 5degrees and about 15 degrees. As such, a minimum gullet width 296between each cutting tip 280 and the corresponding leading surface 195perpendicular to the rotational axis 150 is between about 0.5 inches andabout 0.7 inches. In other embodiments, the minimum gullet width 296 canbe between about 0.7 inches and about 1.2 inches. In furtherembodiments, the minimum gullet width 296 can be greater than themaximum gullet width 265. In yet further embodiments, the rake angle 295can be a negative rake angle (e.g., angled away from the cuttingdirection 155). A tooth angle 300 is defined between the rake surface285 and the relief surface 290 between about 60 degrees and about 70degrees (FIG. 4 ). As best shown in FIG. 2 , each cutting tip 280defines a tip width 305 between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches.The tip width 305 of each cutting tooth 275 is greater than thethickness 165 of the sidewall 115. As such, a total cutting diameter ofthe hole saw 100 is greater than the maximum outer diameter 160 of thesidewall 115. In other embodiments, the tip width 305 can besubstantially the same as the thickness 165 of the sidewall 115 with thecutting teeth 275 bent radially inward or outward relative to therotational axis 150.

With continued reference to FIG. 4 , a recess or relief 310 is formedwithin the first end 120 of the sidewall 115 directly behind eachcutting tooth 275 with a trailing portion 315 of each recess 310 angledin a direction away from the cutting direction 155. Each recess 310defines a recess angle 320 relative to the rake surface 285 that is lessthan the tooth angle 300. As such, during a grinding process to shapethe cutting teeth 275 (e.g., to shape the tooth angle 300), the recesses310 provide enough clearance for a grinding wheel or the like to shapethe cutting teeth 275 without contacting the sidewall 115.

Once the cutting teeth 275 are coupled to the sidewall 115, each gullet175 defines an area 325 between the rake surface 285, the trailingsurface 200, the bottom surface 190, and the leading surface 195. In theillustrated embodiment, the area 325 of each gullet 175 is equal to orgreater than 1.2 inches squared. In other embodiments, the area 325 ofeach gullet 175 is between about 1.2 inches squared and about 3.5 inchessquared. In further embodiments, the area 325 of each gullet 175 isbetween about 1.2 inches squared and about 2 inches squared. As the holesaw 100 includes three gullets 175, the total area of the illustratedgullets 175 is equal to or greater than 3.6 inches squared. Each gullet175 also defines a volume, which is determined by multiplying the area325 of each gullet 175 by the maximum thickness 165 of the sidewall 115.As such, the volume of each gullet 175 is equal to or greater than 0.084inches cubed. In some embodiments, a ratio of the tip width 305 over thevolume of one of the gullets 175 is about 0.2. In other embodiments, theratio of the tip width 305 over the volume of one of the gullets 175 canbe between about 0.1 and about 1.1.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the hole saw 100 is operable to cut into aworkpiece 330 that defines a workpiece height 335. In the illustratedembodiment, the workpiece height 335 is about 1.5 inches (e.g., heightof a standard 2 by 4 piece of lumber). In other embodiments, theworkpiece height 335 can be less than 1.5 inches. In operation, thecutting teeth 275 cut into the workpiece 330, thereby forming workpiecechips that collect within the gullets 175. As the hole saw 100 boresdeeper into the workpiece 330, more workpiece chips are collected withinthe gullets 175. Accordingly, the illustrated gullets 175 include aparticular volume to accommodate the workpiece chips as the hole saw 100cuts into the workpiece 330. If the volume of the gullets 175 is notsufficient to accommodate the workpiece chips, the workpiece chips willbuild up within the gullets 175 and decrease the efficiency of the holesaw 100 cutting into the workpiece 330. Once the hole saw 100 boresthrough the workpiece 330, a cylindrical workpiece plug will be removedfrom the cavity 110 of the hole saw 100. In particular, a user can gripthe cylindrical workpiece plug (via their fingers) through the gullets175 to axially slide the cylindrical workpiece plug along the rotationalaxis and out of the cavity 110. The minimum gullet width 296 of eachgullet 175 is sized to provide enough clearance between each cutting tip280 and the corresponding leading surface 195 so that a user's fingeravoids contact with the cutting tip 280 as the cylindrical workpieceplug is removed from the hole saw 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 400according to another embodiment. The hole saw 400 is similar to the holesaw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designated withsimilar references numbers plus 300. At least some differences and/or atleast some similarities between the hole saws 100, 400 will be discussedin detail below. In addition, components or features described withrespect to one or some of the embodiments described herein are equallyapplicable to any other embodiments described herein and can includesimilar reference numbers.

The illustrated hole saw 400 is moveable about a rotational axis 450 ina cutting direction 455 and includes a sidewall 415 having a first end420 and a second end 425. The sidewall 415 also includes gullets 475(only one gullet 475 is illustrated in FIG. 6 ) each defining a centrallongitudinal axis 480. Each gullet 475 includes a notch 505, an open end485, a bottom surface 490 defining a second radius 545, a leadingsurface 495, and a trailing surface 500. Each trailing surface 500includes a trailing surface portion 510 defining a first radius 530, afirst portion 515, and a second portion 520 with the trailing surfaceportion 510 positioned between the first portion 515 and the secondportion 520. In the illustrated embodiment, each first portion 515 isparallel to the leading surface 495; however, in other embodiments, thefirst portion 515 can be obliquely angled relative to the leadingsurface 495. In other embodiments, the second portion 520 can be omittedso that the trailing surface portion 510 directly connects with thebottom surface 490. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 515of each trailing surface 500 is oriented at a third angle 640 betweenabout 5 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the rotational axis 450so that the first portion 515 is angled from the first end 420 to thesecond end 425 in a direction toward the cutting direction 455. As aresult, each central longitudinal axis 480 is also oriented betweenabout 5 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the rotational axis 450so that the central longitudinal axis 480 is angled from the first end420 to the second end 425 in a direction toward the cutting direction455. In other embodiments, the third angle 640 is greater than about 5degrees. In further embodiments, the third angle 640 is less than about15 degrees. In yet further embodiments, the third angle 640 is betweenabout 1 degree and about 40 degrees.

The hole saw 400 also includes cutting teeth 575 (only one cutting tooth575 is illustrated in FIG. 6 ) each having a cutting tip 580 and seatedwithin one notch 505. Each cutting tooth 575 includes a rake surface 585and a relief surface 590.

FIG. 7 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 700according to another embodiment. The hole saw 700 is similar to the holesaw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designated withsimilar references numbers plus 600. At least some differences and/or atleast some similarities between the hole saws 100, 700 will be discussedin detail below. In addition, components or features described withrespect to one or some of the embodiments described herein are equallyapplicable to any other embodiments described herein and can includesimilar reference numbers.

The illustrated hole saw 700 is moveable about a rotational axis 750 ina cutting direction 755 and includes a sidewall 715 having a first end720 and a second end 725. The sidewall 715 also includes gullets 775(only one gullet 775 is illustrated in FIG. 7 ) each defining a centrallongitudinal axis 780. Each gullet 775 includes a notch 805, an open end785, a bottom surface 790 defining a second radius 845, a leadingsurface 795, and a trailing surface 800. Each trailing surface 800includes a trailing surface portion 810 defining a first radius 830, afirst portion 815, and a second portion 820 with the trailing surfaceportion 810 positioned between the first portion 815 and the secondportion 820. Each leading surface 795 includes a third portion 945, afourth portion 950, and a support surface 955 positioned between thethird portion 945 and the fourth portion 950 in a direction parallel tothe rotational axis 750. The support surface 955 is also positioned at asupport surface distance 960 between about 0.7 inches and about 1 inchfrom the first end 720 of the sidewall 715. In other embodiments, thesupport surface 955 can be formed within at least one of the gullets775. In the illustrated embodiment, the third portion 945 is orientedparallel to the fourth portion 950 of each leading surface 795 and thefirst portion 815 of each trailing surface 800. Each third portion 945and fourth portion 950 are also offset (e.g., nonlinear) relative toeach other. In other embodiments, the third portion 945 can be obliquelyangled relative to the first portion 815 and/or the fourth portion 950.Each support surface 955 is oriented at a support angle 965 relative tothe rotational axis 750. The support angle 965 is less than 90 degreesrelative to the rotational axis 750 so that the support surface 955 isangled downwardly and toward the cutting direction 755 (e.g., thesupport surface 955 generally faces upwardly toward the first end 720).In other embodiments, the support angle 965 can be less than 90 degreesand greater than 75 degrees relative to the rotational axis 750. Also,each support surface 955 is positioned above the trailing surfaceportion 810 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 750. In otherembodiments, each support surface 955 can be positioned at the sameheight of the trailing surface portion 810 or positioned below thetrailing surface portion 810.

The hole saw 700 also includes cutting teeth 875 (only one cutting tooth875 is illustrated in FIG. 7 ) each having a cutting tip 880 and seatedwithin one notch 805. Each cutting tooth 875 includes a rake surface 885and a relief surface 890.

In operation, a cylindrical workpiece plug can be removed from the holesaw 700 by using a tool (e.g., a screwdriver or the like). Inparticular, the tool is inserted within one of the gullets 775 below thecylindrical workpiece plug. In some embodiments, the tool engages thebottom surface 790 of the gullet 775 to leverage and push thecylindrical workpiece plug out of the first end 720. The tool can alsoengage the support surface 955 to leverage and push the cylindricalworkpiece plug out of the first end 720. As the support surface 955 isangled downwardly and toward the cutting direction 755, the tool can becaptured on the support surface 955 without sliding into the gullet 775as the tool is used to leverage the cylindrical workpiece plug out ofthe hole saw 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 1000according to another embodiment. The hole saw 1000 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 900. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 1000 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to only one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers.

The illustrated hole saw 1000 is moveable about a rotational axis 1050in a cutting direction 1055 and includes a sidewall 1015 having a firstend 1020 and a second end 1025. The sidewall 1015 also includes gullets1075 (only one gullet 1075 is illustrated in FIG. 8 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 1080. Each gullet 1075 includes a notch 1105,an open end 1085, a bottom surface 1090 defining a second radius 1145, aleading surface 1095, and a trailing surface 1100. Each trailing surface1100 includes a trailing surface portion 1110 defining a first radius1130, a first portion 1115, and a second portion 1120 with the trailingsurface portion 1110 positioned between the first portion 1115 and thesecond portion 1120. Each leading surface 1095 includes a third portion1245, a fourth portion 1250, and a support surface 1255 (similar to thesupport surface 955 of FIG. 7 ) formed on a protrusion 1270 of thesidewall 1015, which extends into each gullet 1075. The illustratedthird portion 1245 and fourth portion 1250 are substantially collinearsurfaces with the support surface 1255 oriented at a substantially 90degree angle relative to the rotational axis 1050.

The hole saw 1000 also includes cutting teeth 1175 (only one cuttingtooth 1175 is illustrated in FIG. 8 ) each having a cutting tip 1180 andseated within one notch 1105. Each cutting tooth 1175 includes a rakesurface 1185 and a relief surface 1190.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a hole saw 1300 according to another embodiment.The hole saw 1300 is similar to the hole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ;therefore, similar components are designated with similar referencesnumbers plus 1200. At least some differences and/or at least somesimilarities between the hole saws 100, 1300 will be discussed in detailbelow. In addition, components or features described with respect to oneor some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable toany other embodiments described herein and can include similar referencenumbers.

The illustrated hole saw 1300 is moveable about a rotational axis 1350in a cutting direction 1355 and includes a cylindrical body 1305 havinga sidewall 1315 that defines a cavity 1310 and an end cap 1330 having anaperture 1335. The sidewall 1315 includes a first end 1320 and a secondend 1325. The sidewall 1315 defines a maximum outer diameter 1360 (FIG.11 ), a maximum thickness 1365 (FIG. 11 ), and a sidewall height ordimension 1370 (FIG. 10 ) extending between the first end 1320 and thesecond end 1325 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 1350. Thesidewall height 1370 can be between about 3.3 inches and about 3.7inches. In other embodiments, the sidewall height 1370 can be betweenabout 3.7 inches and about 4.5 inches. The sidewall 1315 also includesgullets 1375 each defining a central longitudinal axis 1380 oriented atan oblique angle (e.g., between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees)relative to the rotational axis 1350. Each gullet 1375 includes a notch1405, an open end 1385, a bottom surface 1390 defining a second radius1445, a leading surface 1395, and a trailing surface 1400. Each trailingsurface 1400 includes a trailing surface portion 1410 defining a firstradius 1430, a first portion 1415, and a second portion 1420 with thetrailing surface portion 1410 positioned between the first portion 1415and the second portion 1420. Each leading surface 1395 includes an edge1425 and two support surfaces 1555 a, 1555 b (similar to the supportsurfaces 955, 1255 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) so that each leadingsurface 1395 includes a third portion 1545, a fourth portion 1550, and afifth portion 1575. With the two support surfaces 1555 a, 1555 b formedin the leading surface 1395, the leading surface 1395 defines a zig-zagshaped surface. The illustrated third portion 1545, fourth portion 1550,and fifth portion 1575 are all linear surfaces with the third portion1545 obliquely oriented relative to the fourth portion 1550 and thefourth portion 1550 oriented substantially parallel to the fifth portion1575. In other embodiments, two or more of the third portion 1545, thefourth portion 1550, and the fifth portion 1575 can be substantiallyparallel relative to each other or obliquely oriented relative to eachother. In further embodiments, at least one of the third portion 1545,the fourth portion 1550, and the fifth portion 1575 can be a curvedsurface. In yet further embodiments, the third portion 1545, the fourthportion 1550, the fifth portion 1575, and the two support surface 1555a, 1555 b can be omitted so that the leading surface 1395 is one linearsurface. The illustrated first support surface 1555 a is positioned fromthe first end 1320 at a first support distance 1560 a of between about 2inches and about 2.2 inches. The second support surface 1555 b ispositioned from the first end 1320 at a second support distance 1560 bof between about 1 inch and about 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, eachleading surface 1395 can include one support surface. In otherembodiments, each leading surface 1395 can include more than two supportsurfaces.

In addition, each gullet 1375 defines an oblique angle 1435 between thesecond portion 1420 and the rotational axis 1350. The oblique angle 1435is between about 55 degrees and about 65 degrees. In particular, theoblique angle 1435 is defined between the rotational axis 1350 and atangent line extending through a midpoint of the second portion 1420. Afirst angle 1440 is defined between the first portion 1415 and thesecond portion 1420 that is between about 120 degrees and about 135degrees. In particular, the first angle 1440 is defined between thefirst portion 1415 and a tangent line extending through a midpoint ofthe second portion 1420. In other embodiments with the first portion1415 defining a curved surface, the first angle 1440 is defined betweentangent lines extending through midpoints of the first and secondportions 1415, 1420. A second angle 1450 is defined between the secondportion 1420 and the third portion 1545 that is between about 35 degreesand about 45 degrees. In particular, the second angle 1450 is definedbetween the third portion 1545 and a tangent line extending through amidpoint of the second portion 1420. In other embodiments with the thirdportion 1545 defining a curved surface, the second angle 1450 is definedbetween tangent lines extending through midpoints of the second andthird portions 1420, 1545.

As best shown in FIG. 10 , each gullet 1375 defines a gullet height ordimension 1455 extending between the first end 1320 and the bottomsurface 1390 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 1350. Theillustrated gullet height 1455 is between about 3 inches and about 3.2inches. In other embodiments, the gullet height 1455 can be betweenabout 3.2 inches and about 4 inches, or the gullet height 1455 can bebetween about 2.5 inches and about 3 inches. As such, a ratio of thesidewall height 1370 over the gullet height 1455 is between about 1.05and about 1.2. In other embodiments, the ratio can be between about 1.2and about 2. The illustrated sidewall 1315 also defines a height 1460extending between the bottom surface 1390 of each gullet 1375 and thesecond end 1325 of the sidewall 1315. The height 1460 is between about0.3 inches and about 0.4 inches. In other embodiments, the height 1460can be between about 0.4 inches and about 1 inch, or the height 1460 canbe between about 0.1 inches and about 0.3 inches. In addition, a maximumgullet width 1465 is defined by a point 1470 on the first portion 1415and the fifth portion 1575 adjacent the second support surface 1555 b.

The hole saw 1300 also includes cutting teeth 1475 each having a cuttingtip 1480 and seated within one notch 1405. Each cutting tooth 1475includes a rake surface 1485 and a relief surface 1490. A minimum gulletwidth 1496 extends between each cutting tip 1480 and the correspondingleading surface 1395. Once the cutting teeth 1475 are coupled to thesidewall 1315, each gullet 1375 defines an area 1525 between the rakesurface 1485, the trailing surface 1400, the bottom surface 1390, andthe leading surface 1395. In the illustrated embodiment, the area 1525of each gullet 1375 is equal to or greater than 3.2 inches squared. Inother embodiments, the area 1525 of each gullet 1375 is between about 2inches squared and about 4 inches squared. In further embodiments, thearea 1525 of each gullet 1375 is between about 3.2 inches squared andabout 4 inches squared. As the hole saw 1300 includes three gullets1375, the total area of the illustrated gullets 1375 is equal to orgreater than 9.6 inches squared. Each gullet 1375 also defines a volume,which is determined by multiplying the area 1525 of each gullet 1375 bythe maximum thickness 1365 of the sidewall 1315. As such, the volume ofeach gullet 1375 is equal to or greater than 0.256 inches cubed. Inother embodiments, the volume of each gullet 1375 can be between about0.227 inches cubed and about 0.3 inches cubed.

With reference to FIG. 11 , the hole saw 1300 is operable to cut intotwo workpieces 1530 that defines a workpiece height 1535. In theillustrated embodiment, the workpiece height 1535 is about 3 inches(e.g., two standard 2 by 4 pieces of lumber). In other embodiments, theworkpiece height 1535 can be less than 3 inches. In further embodiments,the workpiece height 1535 can be between about 1.5 inches and about 3inches. In yet further embodiments, the two workpieces 1530 can beformed as one workpiece with the workpiece height 1535. In operation,the cutting teeth 1475 cut into the two workpieces 1530, thereby formingworkpiece chips that collect within the gullets 1375. As the hole saw1300 bores deeper into the two workpieces 1530, more workpiece chips arecollected within the gullets 1375. Accordingly, the illustrated gullets1375 include a particular volume to accommodate the workpiece chips asthe hole saw 1300 cuts into the two workpieces 1530. Once the hole saw1300 bores through the two workpieces 1530, a cylindrical workpiece plugwill be removed from the cavity 1310 of the hole saw 1300. In oneembodiment, a user can grip the cylindrical workpiece plug (via theirfingers) through the gullets 1375 to axially slide the cylindricalworkpiece plug along the rotational axis 1350 and out of the cavity1310. In other embodiments, a tool can be inserted into one of thegullets 1375 to be supported on one of the support surfaces 1555 a, 1555b for a user to leverage the cylindrical workpiece plug out of the holesaw 1300.

FIG. 12 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 1600according to another embodiment. The hole saw 1600 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 1500. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 1600 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to only one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw1600 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 1600 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 1600 is moveable about a rotational axis 1650in a cutting direction 1655 and includes a sidewall 1615 having a firstend 1620 and a second end 1625. The sidewall 1615 also includes gullets1675 (only one gullet 1675 is illustrated in FIG. 12 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 1680. Each gullet 1675 includes a notch 1705,an open end 1685, a bottom surface 1690 defining a second radius 1745, aleading surface 1695, and a trailing surface 1700. Each trailing surface1700 includes a trailing surface portion 1710 defining a first radius1730, a first portion 1715, and a second portion 1720 with the trailingsurface portion 1710 positioned between the first portion 1715 and thesecond portion 1720. The sidewall 1615 also includes three supportapertures 1880 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 12 ) each positioned ata substantially same location that is circumferentially between adjacentgullets 1675. In particular, each support aperture 1880 is positionedabove the bottom surfaces 1690 of the gullets 1675. For example, eachsupport aperture 1880 is positioned above the trailing surface portions1710 of the gullets 1675. Each support aperture 1880 is also positionedbetween adjacent gullets 1675 as to not circumferentially overlap withany portion of the gullets 1675. Each support aperture 1880 isoblong-shaped and includes a longitudinal axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the rotational axis 1650. The support apertures 1880function similar to the support surfaces illustrated within FIGS. 7-11for a tool to be inserted into one of the support apertures 1880 toleverage and remove a cylindrical workpiece plug from the hole saw 1600.In other embodiments, the sidewall 1615 can include fewer than or morethan three support apertures 1880 and/or the support apertures 1880 canbe located at different positions circumferentially around the sidewall1615.

The hole saw 1600 also includes cutting teeth 1775 (only one cuttingtooth 1775 is illustrated in FIG. 12 ) each having a cutting tip 1780and seated within one notch 1705. Each cutting tooth 1775 includes arake surface 1785 and a relief surface 1790.

FIG. 13 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 1900according to another embodiment. The hole saw 1900 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 1800. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 1900 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw1900 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 1900 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 1900 is moveable about a rotational axis 1950in a cutting direction 1955 and includes a sidewall 1915 having a firstend 1920 and a second end 1925. The sidewall 1915 also includes gullets1975 (only one gullet 1975 is illustrated in FIG. 13 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 1980. Each gullet 1975 includes a notch 2005,an open end 1985, a bottom surface 1990 defining a second radius 2045, aleading surface 1995, and a trailing surface 2000. In particular, thesecond radius 2045 of each bottom surface 1990 extends directly from thetrailing surface 2000 to the leading surface 1995. The sidewall 1915also includes three support apertures 2180 (only one is illustrated inFIG. 13 ) each positioned below the bottom surfaces 1900. Each supportaperture 2180 is also positioned as to circumferentially overlap withone of the gullets 1975.

The hole saw 1900 also includes cutting teeth 2075 (only one cuttingtooth 2075 is illustrated in FIG. 13 ) each having a cutting tip 2080and seated within one notch 2005. Each cutting tooth 2075 includes arake surface 2085 and a relief surface 2090.

FIG. 14 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 2200according to another embodiment. The hole saw 2200 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 2100. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 2200 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw2200 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 2200 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 2200 is moveable about a rotational axis 2250in a cutting direction 2255 and includes a sidewall 2215 having a firstend 2220 and a second end 2225. The sidewall 2215 also includes gullets2275 (only one gullet 2275 is illustrated in FIG. 14 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 2280. Each gullet 2275 includes a notch 2305,an open end 2285, a bottom surface 2290 defining a second radius 2345, aleading surface 2295, and a trailing surface 2300. Each trailing surface2300 includes a trailing surface portion 2310 defining a first radius2330, a first portion 2315, and a second portion 2320 with the trailingsurface portion 2310 positioned between the first portion 2315 and thesecond portion 2320. The first portion 2315 of each gullet 2275 definesa third angle 2440 that extends from the notch 2305 to the trailingsurface portion 2310 in a direction away from the cutting direction2255. As a result, the trailing surface portion 2310 is positionedbehind the first portion 2315 relative to the cutting direction 2255. Inother embodiments, the third angle 2440 can be oriented in a directiontoward the cutting direction 2255 with at least a portion of thetrailing surface portion 2310 positioned behind a portion of the firstportion 2315 in a direction relative to the cutting direction 2255. Thesidewall 2215 also includes three support apertures 2480 (only one isillustrated in FIG. 14 ) each positioned below a trailing surfaceportion 2310.

The hole saw 2200 also includes cutting teeth 2375 (only one cuttingtooth 2375 is illustrated in FIG. 14 ) each having a cutting tip 2380and seated within one notch 2305. Each cutting tooth 2375 includes arake surface 2385 and a relief surface 2390.

FIG. 15 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 2500according to another embodiment. The hole saw 2500 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 2400. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 2500 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw2500 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 2500 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 2500 is moveable about a rotational axis 2550in a cutting direction 2555 and includes a sidewall 2515 having a firstend 2520 and a second end 2525. The sidewall 2515 also includes gullets2575 (only one gullet 2575 is illustrated in FIG. 15 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 2580. Each gullet 2575 includes a notch 2605,an open end 2585, a bottom surface 2590 defining a second radius 2645, aleading surface 2595, and a trailing surface 2600. Each leading surface2595 includes a support surface 2755 positioned between a third portion2745 and a fourth portion 2750.

The hole saw 2500 also includes cutting teeth 2675 (only one cuttingtooth 2675 is illustrated in FIG. 15 ) each having a cutting tip 2680and seated within one notch 2605. Each cutting tooth 2675 includes arake surface 2685 and a relief surface 2690.

FIG. 16 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 2800according to another embodiment. The hole saw 2800 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 2700. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 2800 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw2800 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 2800 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 2800 is moveable about a rotational axis 2850in a cutting direction 2855 and includes a sidewall 2815 having a firstend 2820 and a second end 2825. The sidewall 2815 also includes gullets2875 (only one gullet 2875 is illustrated in FIG. 16 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 2880. Each gullet 2875 includes a notch 2905,an open end 2885, a bottom surface 2890 defining a second radius 2945, aleading surface 2895, and a trailing surface 2900. Each trailing surface2900 includes a trailing surface portion 2910 defining a first radius2930, a first portion 2915, and a second portion 2920 with the trailingsurface portion 2910 positioned between the first portion 2915 and thesecond portion 2920. The sidewall 2815 also includes three supportapertures 3080 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 16 ). Each supportaperture 3080 defines a greater area than an area of one of the gullets2875. Each support aperture 3080 circumferentially overlaps with one ofthe gullets 2875 so that the leading surface 2895 of the gullet 2875 ispositioned forward the support aperture 3080 but a portion of thesupport aperture 3080 is positioned behind the trailing surface 2900 ofthe gullet 2875 relative to the cutting direction 2855.

The hole saw 2800 also includes cutting teeth 2975 (only one cuttingtooth 2975 is illustrated in FIG. 16 ) each having a cutting tip 2980and seated within one notch 2905. Each cutting tooth 2975 includes arake surface 2985 and a relief surface 2990.

FIG. 17 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 3100according to another embodiment. The hole saw 3100 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 3000. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 3100 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw3100 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100 or the hole saw 3100 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 3100 is moveable about a rotational axis 3150in a cutting direction 3155 and includes a sidewall 3115 having a firstend 3120 and a second end 3125. The sidewall 3115 also includes gullets3175 (only one gullet 3175 is illustrated in FIG. 17 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 3180. Each gullet 3175 includes a notch 3205,an open end 3185, a bottom surface 3190 defining a second radius 3245, aleading surface 3195, and a trailing surface 3200. Each trailing surface3200 includes a trailing surface portion 3210 defining a first radius3230, a first portion 3215, and a second portion 3220 with the trailingsurface portion 3210 positioned between the first portion 3215 and thesecond portion 3220. The sidewall 3115 also includes three supportapertures 3380 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 17 ). Each supportaperture 3380 circumferentially overlaps with one of the gullets 3175 sothat a portion of the support aperture 3380 is positioned forward theleading surface 3195 but a portion of the first portion 3215 ispositioned behind the support aperture 3380 relative to the cuttingdirection 3155.

The hole saw 3100 also includes cutting teeth 3275 (only one cuttingtooth 3275 is illustrated in FIG. 17 ) each having a cutting tip 3280and seated within one notch 3205. Each cutting tooth 3275 includes arake surface 3285 and a relief surface 3290.

FIG. 18 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 3400according to another embodiment. The hole saw 3400 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 3300. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 3400 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw3400 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 3400 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 3400 is moveable about a rotational axis 3450in a cutting direction 3455 and includes a sidewall 3415 having a firstend 3420 and a second end 3425. The sidewall 3415 also includes threepairs of gullets 3475 (only one pair of gullets 3475 is illustrated inFIG. 18 ). Each pair 3475 includes a smaller gullet 3475 a defining acentral longitudinal axis 3480 a and a larger gullet 3475 b defining acentral longitudinal axis 3480 b. In the illustrated embodiment, thecentral longitudinal axes 3480 a, 3480 b are substantially parallel;however, in other embodiments, the central longitudinal axes 3480 a,3480 b can be obliquely angled. The smaller gullet 3475 a includes anotch 3505 a, an open end 3485 a, a bottom surface 3490 a defining asecond radius 3545 a, a leading surface 3495 a, and a trailing surface3500 a. Likewise, the larger gullet 3475 b includes a notch 3505 b, anopen end 3485 b, a bottom surface 3490 b defining a second radius 3545b, a leading surface 3495 b, and a trailing surface 3500 b. The bottomsurface 3490 b of the larger gullet 3475 b is positioned closer to thesecond end 3425 of the sidewall 3415 than the bottom surface 3490 a ofthe smaller gullet 3475 a. In other embodiments, the sidewall 3415 caninclude fewer or more than three pairs of gullets 3475. In theillustrated embodiment, the second radius 3545 b of the larger gullet3475 b is greater than the second radius 3545 a of the smaller gullet3475 a. In other embodiments, the second radius 3545 b of the largergullet 3475 b can be equal to or less than the second radius 3545 a ofthe smaller gullet 3475 a.

The hole saw 3400 also includes cutting teeth 3575 (only one pair ofcutting teeth 3575 are illustrated in FIG. 18 ) each having a cuttingtip 3580 and seated within one notch 3505 a, 3505 b. Each cutting tooth3575 includes a rake surface 3585 and a relief surface 3590.

FIG. 19 illustrates a planar view of a portion of a hole saw 3700according to another embodiment. The hole saw 3700 is similar to thehole saw 100 of FIGS. 1-5 ; therefore, similar components are designatedwith similar references numbers plus 3600. At least some differencesand/or at least some similarities between the hole saws 100, 3700 willbe discussed in detail below. In addition, components or featuresdescribed with respect to one or some of the embodiments describedherein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described hereinand can include similar reference numbers. For example, the hole saw3700 can be sized to bore into the single workpiece 330 of FIG. 5similar to the hole saw 100, or the hole saw 3700 can be sized to boreinto the two workpieces 1530 of FIG. 11 similar to the hole saw 1300.

The illustrated hole saw 3700 is moveable about a rotational axis 3750in a cutting direction 3755 and includes a sidewall 3715 having a firstend 3720 and a second end 3725. The sidewall 3715 also includes gullets3775 (only one gullet 3775 is illustrated in FIG. 19 ) each defining acentral longitudinal axis 3780 parallel to the rotational axis 3750.Each gullet 3775 includes a notch 3805, an open end 3785, a bottomsurface 3790 defining a second radius 3845, a leading surface 3795, anda trailing surface 3800. Each trailing surface 3800 includes a trailingsurface portion 3810 defining a first radius 3830, a first portion 3815,and a second portion 3820 with the trailing surface portion 3810positioned between the first portion 3815 and the second portion 3820.The sidewall 3715 also includes three support apertures 3980 (only oneis illustrated in FIG. 19 ). Each support aperture 3980 defines alongitudinal axis that substantially aligns with one centrallongitudinal axis 3780 of one gullet 3775. In particular, each supportaperture 3980 is directly below one gullet 3775.

The hole saw 3700 also includes cutting teeth 3875 (only one cuttingtooth 3875 is illustrated in FIG. 19 ) each having a cutting tip 3880and seated within one notch 3805. Each cutting tooth 3875 includes arake surface 3885 and a relief surface 3890.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described. Various features and advantages of the invention are setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hole saw movable about a rotational axis in acutting direction to cut into a workpiece, the hole saw comprising: acylindrical body including a sidewall having a first end and a secondend opposite the first end, the cylindrical body also including a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall, the gullet defining a centrallongitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of thesidewall that is obliquely oriented relative to the rotational axis suchthat the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottom surface in adirection toward the cutting direction, the gullet having a dimensionmeasured parallel to the rotational axis between the first end and thebottom surface of the sidewall that is greater than 1.5 inches; and acutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewall adjacent thegullet, wherein the sidewall includes a support surface in the leadingsurface that faces the first end, and wherein the support surface isconfigured to support a tool to leverage material out of the cylindricalbody.
 2. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein the central longitudinal axisis oriented at an angle between about 1 degree and about 40 degreesrelative to the rotational axis.
 3. The hole saw of claim 2, wherein thecentral longitudinal axis is oriented at an angle between about 5degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the rotational axis.
 4. Thehole saw of claim 1, wherein the dimension is greater than 3 inches. 5.The hole saw of claim 1, wherein the dimension is between 1.5 inches andabout 2.0 inches.
 6. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein the trailingsurface defines a curved portion having a first radius, wherein thebottom surface has a second radius, and wherein the first radius islarger than the second radius.
 7. The hole saw of claim 1, wherein thecylindrical body is made of a first material, wherein the cutting toothis made of a second material different than the first material, andwherein the cutting tooth is fixedly attached to the sidewall adjacentthe trailing surface.
 8. A hole saw movable about a rotational axis in acutting direction to cut into a workpiece, the hole saw comprising: acylindrical body including a sidewall having a first end and a secondend opposite the first end, the cylindrical body also including a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall, the gullet extending through thefirst end of the sidewall and defining a central longitudinal axisextending between the first and second ends of the sidewall, the centrallongitudinal axis being obliquely oriented relative to the rotationalaxis such that the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottomsurface in a direction toward the cutting direction; and a cutting toothcoupled to the first end of the sidewall adjacent the gullet, wherein adimension measured between the leading surface and a tip of the cuttingtooth in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis is betweenabout 0.5 inches and about 0.7 inches, and wherein the sidewall includesa support surface in the leading surface that faces the first end, andwherein the support surface is configured to support a tool to leveragematerial out of the cylindrical body.
 9. The hole saw of claim 8,wherein the central longitudinal axis is oriented at an angle betweenabout 1 degree and about 40 degrees relative to the rotational axis. 10.The hole saw of claim 9, wherein the central longitudinal axis isoriented at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 15 degreesrelative to the rotational axis.
 11. The hole saw of claim 8, whereinthe trailing surface defines a curved portion having a first radius,wherein the bottom surface has a second radius, and wherein the firstradius is larger than the second radius.
 12. The hole saw of claim 8,wherein the cylindrical body is made of a first material, wherein thecutting tooth is made of a second material different than the firstmaterial, and wherein the cutting tooth is fixedly attached to thesidewall adjacent the trailing surface.
 13. A hole saw movable about arotational axis in a cutting direction to cut into a workpiece, the holesaw comprising: a cylindrical body including a sidewall having a firstend and a second end opposite the first end, the cylindrical body alsoincluding a gullet formed in the sidewall between a leading surface, atrailing surface, and a bottom surface of the sidewall, the trailingsurface defining a portion of the gullet having a first radius, thebottom surface having a second radius, the first radius being equal toor larger than the second radius, the gullet extending through the firstend of the sidewall and defining a central longitudinal axis extendingbetween the first and second ends of the sidewall, the centrallongitudinal axis being obliquely oriented relative to the rotationalaxis such that the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottomsurface in a direction toward the cutting direction, the gullet having afirst dimension measured parallel to the rotational axis between thefirst end and the bottom surface of the sidewall that is greater than1.5 inches; and a cutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewalladjacent the gullet; wherein a second dimension measured perpendicularto the rotational axis between the leading surface and a tip of thecutting tooth is between about 0.5 inches and about 0.7 inches.
 14. Thehole saw of claim 13, wherein the cutting tooth is a carbide cuttingtooth secured to the first end of the sidewall.
 15. The hole saw ofclaim 13, wherein the cylindrical body includes an end cap coupled tothe second end of the sidewall, and wherein the end cap is configured toallow for a power tool to be coupled to the hole saw.
 16. The hole sawof claim 13, wherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.17. The hole saw of claim 13, wherein the sidewall includes a supportsurface in the leading surface that faces the first end, and wherein thesupport surface is configured to support a tool to leverage material outof the cylindrical body.
 18. The hole saw of claim 13, wherein thecylindrical body is made of a first material, wherein the cutting toothis made of a second material different than the first material, andwherein the cutting tooth is fixedly attached to the sidewall adjacentthe trailing surface.
 19. A hole saw movable about a rotational axis ina cutting direction to cut into a workpiece, the hole saw comprising: acylindrical body including a sidewall having a first end and a secondend opposite the first end, the cylindrical body also including a gulletformed in the sidewall between a leading surface, a trailing surface,and a bottom surface of the sidewall, the gullet defining a centrallongitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of thesidewall that is obliquely oriented relative to the rotational axis suchthat the gullet is angled from the first end to the bottom surface in adirection toward the cutting direction, the gullet having a dimensionmeasured parallel to the rotational axis between the first end and thebottom surface of the sidewall that is greater than 1.5 inches; and acutting tooth coupled to the first end of the sidewall adjacent thegullet, wherein the trailing surface defines a curved portion having afirst radius, wherein the bottom surface has a second radius, andwherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.
 20. A holesaw movable about a rotational axis in a cutting direction to cut into aworkpiece, the hole saw comprising: a cylindrical body including asidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, thecylindrical body also including a gullet formed in the sidewall betweena leading surface, a trailing surface, and a bottom surface of thesidewall, the gullet extending through the first end of the sidewall anddefining a central longitudinal axis extending between the first andsecond ends of the sidewall, the central longitudinal axis beingobliquely oriented relative to the rotational axis such that the gulletis angled from the first end to the bottom surface in a direction towardthe cutting direction; and a cutting tooth coupled to the first end ofthe sidewall adjacent the gullet, wherein a dimension measured betweenthe leading surface and a tip of the cutting tooth in a directionperpendicular to the rotational axis is between about 0.5 inches andabout 0.7 inches, and wherein the trailing surface defines a curvedportion having a first radius, wherein the bottom surface has a secondradius, and wherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.